Who this suits

Solo reheaters with limited space

You usually warm one bowl or plate and want to keep the counter footprint small, provided your usual dish fits and can rotate.

Buyers who prefer dials

You would rather set time and power directly than navigate programmes, while still fitting a standard dinner plate.

Frequent users of reheating programmes

You often reheat leftovers and prefer a display, quick-start control or automatic programme, even if the controls take more getting used to.

What to check before buying

For one-portion reheating, check your dish and available counter space before deciding whether dials, digital controls or additional cooking functions are useful to you.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Dish fit and footprint Measure your widest microwave-safe dish against the stated turntable diameter and internal space; check the external dimensions against your counter. If my counter is tight, I need my usual bowl to rotate without taking over the worktop; around 31% of consumers put dish fit and footprint first.
Simple controls Compare direct time-and-power dials with digital controls, and check that the model offers selectable power levels. When I am warming a small portion, I want to set it going without navigating programmes; roughly 23% of consumers prioritise straightforward controls.
Reheating control Check the stated microwave output, power levels and any quick-start or reheat setting; follow the instructions for the exact model. For regular leftovers, I want enough control to adjust reheating to the food rather than copy a time from another microwave; around 31% of consumers make this their primary concern.
Other cooking tasks Choose grill or convection functions only if you expect to use them for tasks beyond simple reheating. If I also plan to grill or bake, I need functions a solo microwave does not offer; about 15% of consumers put broader cooking use first.

Common buying pitfalls

  • Choosing by litres alone

    A cavity capacity does not tell you whether your bowl or plate can rotate. The cited LOGIK and Russell Hobbs 15L and 17L models have 24.5cm turntables, while the cited Panasonic 20L model has a 25.5cm turntable.

    Measure your widest microwave-safe dish and compare it with the exact model’s turntable and internal dimensions before ordering.

  • Choosing grill or convection without a use for it

    A solo microwave covers straightforward heating and reheating; grill and convection functions serve additional cooking tasks.

    If mashed potato and other leftovers are the main job, concentrate on dish fit, controls and power levels. Consider a combination model if you also intend to grill or bake.

  • Using a preset as a food-safety check

    An automatic programme sets the appliance’s operation; it cannot establish that the centre of the potatoes is hot. GOV.UK food-hygiene guidance says reheated food should be steaming hot all the way through and reheated only once.

    Check the centre before eating and follow any instructions supplied with the food.

  • Overlooking electrical and container safety

    Electrical Safety First advises checking for a standard UK three-pin plug and fuse and avoiding an extension lead for a microwave. Unsuitable containers can also create hazards during heating.

    Check the plug and fuse for the model you choose, use a suitable socket and clearly microwave-safe containers, and follow the appliance instructions.

Relevant brands for reference

Russell Hobbs

The RHM1731B is a reference point if you want a compact 17L solo microwave with dials.

  • Russell Hobbs lists 700W output, five power levels, a defrost setting and a 24.5cm turntable for this model.
  • Check your dish against the RHM1731B’s dimensions; these specifications do not describe every Russell Hobbs microwave.

Sharp

The YC-MS01U is a 20L manual-control option to compare if you want dials and an 800W output.

  • Sharp Consumer UK lists five power levels and a 255mm turntable for the YC-MS01U.
  • If counter depth is restricted, check this model’s external dimensions rather than judging its fit from capacity alone.

Panasonic

The NN-E27JW is a reference point for buyers who prefer digital controls and programmes in a 20L solo microwave.

  • Panasonic lists 800W output, five power levels, a 255mm turntable, Quick 30 and nine automatic programmes for this model.
  • A programme does not replace checking that reheated food is steaming hot throughout, as GOV.UK food-hygiene guidance advises.

Beko

The MOC20240G offers another 20L digital solo model to consider if an automatic reheat setting appeals to you.

  • The product information specifies 800W output, six power levels, a 245mm turntable and automatic programmes for this model.
  • Its 20L capacity does not tell you whether a particular dish will fit; compare the dish with the stated turntable and internal dimensions.

Joybuy products for this task

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Is a solo microwave enough to reheat mashed potato?

Yes, a solo microwave covers straightforward reheating. Look at grill or convection functions only if you also intend to use them for other cooking tasks.

Should I choose 700W or 800W for one portion?

Either output can suit a single portion; dish fit and usable controls also matter. The cited Russell Hobbs RHM1731B is rated at 700W and the Sharp YC-MS01U at 800W, so follow the instructions for the model you choose rather than copying reheating times between them.

How do I check leftover mashed potato after reheating?

Check that it is steaming hot all the way through, including at the centre. GOV.UK food-hygiene guidance also says food should only be reheated once; an automatic microwave programme is not a substitute for checking the food.

What electrical checks matter for a microwave used in the UK?

Check that the model has a standard UK three-pin plug and fuse, and follow its instructions. Electrical Safety First also advises buying from a reputable retailer and not powering a microwave through an extension lead.